Dr. Joel Erickson
August 28, 1963 - July 31, 2024
Joel Gary Erickson, DC, age 60, of Montgomery, died doing what he loved best, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Sturgis, South Dakota. Joel was born on August 28, 1963, in Montevideo, MN, to Gary and Noreen (Capistran) Erickson. He graduated from Montedvideo High School in 1982 and attended the Diesel Mechanics program at Willmar Vocational School followed by working at Dean Machinery Caterpillar in Kansas City, MO. Joel made a change in profession to focus on a career as a chiropractor when he enrolled at Northwestern College of Chiropractic, graduating with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1997.
Dr. Joel (as he was often called by patients) met his wife, Paula Larson, and they married in 1995. They lived for a short time in Savage, MN before opening his New Prague clinic and moving to the area to raise their two children, Hannah and Noah.
Dr. Joel owned two successful chiropractic clinics – one in New Prague, MN and one in Le Sueur, MN. He recently retired from Erickson Family Chiropractic and began a new path of chiropractic practice relief where he could continue to share his gift of healing patients and treating everyone he met like they were family. For the last three years Dr. Joel worked as a real estate agent and truly enjoyed helping his clients.
Dr. Joel was known as a fixer. He would step in to help friends, family, patients or even strangers that called for help. No job was too big and no ask was too small, as he made it his mission to make life better for those around him. He lit up a room with his personality and left those around him feeling loved and important.
Dr. Joel loved adventures with his family, such as snowmobiling, motorcycling, restoring and fixing cars, and traveling. He loved all his family’s animals through the years but most importantly his furry companion, Pumpkin.
Dr. Joel is survived by his wife, Paula; daughter, Hannah Erickson of South St. Paul; son, Noah Erickson of Montgomery; mother, Noreen Erickson of Montevideo; sister, Diane (Gary) Thorne of Nevada; mother- and father-in-law: Eugene & Joanne Larson of Faribault. He is preceded in death by his father, Gary Erickson.
Dr. Joel’s funeral service will be held on his birthday, Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 4:00 PM at FaithPoint Lutheran Church in New Prague, with Reverend Dr. Steve Trewartha officiating. Visitation will take place at church from 2-4 PM. Celebration of Life reception will take place immediately following the service at Revival on Main/Rustic Farmer in Montgomery (213 1st St. S., Montgomery, MN).
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to an animal rescue of donor’s choice, in respect of Joel’s love of animals.
Ride high, rest easy ….Dr. Joel. I had the honor of meeting/working with Dr. Joel just last month – – in just one day, he left an impression on my heart that lifted me higher in the joy of this journey. He was gravitational with our team and with every patient. I even wrote down a couple of the ‘funnies’ I heard him say …I know that as time continues to chime on this earthly journey I will share those with others and that from Heaven’s perfect light…His JOY will live on through his family and friends. Peace and prayers… Read more »
Oh Joel… how many times you had my back and cheered for my success and happiness…. I can only hope that I was as good of a friend to you as you were to me. I know we didn’t see each other often since graduating from Chiropractic school, but you were always one of my besties. I always appreciate the occasional text, the occasional joke, any contact that we had, because it was always positive and fun. My heart still hurts that you’re gone from this world, but happy that you’re with our savior, rejoicing in heaven, fixing things and… Read more »
Rest in peace Cousin. I hope you’re up there riding your Harley and having a good time with your Dad. You made quite an impact on many people in your time here and dedicated your life to helping others – that’s living life! A special place in Heaven was reserved for you. Prayers for your family
Dr Joel, tho it’s been a few years since we had seen each other, he always checked in every once in awhile. We worked together for a short time and tho Dr Joel had a lot going on at that time in his life he always took the time to check in with me then too. He was a great inspiration to be around and he also gave me hope in chiropractors again. I am so very heart broken to of learned of his passing. My deepest condolences to his wife and children. I like to believe he is up… Read more »
Noreen and family. So sorry to hear about Joel. Sending prayers to help you through these sad times.
Our deepest Condolences from My family of 3 Generations, to All of Your Family. Joel was one of those guys that not only touched our body for relief, but Touched our Soul in our Conversations. He always brought our our smiles, so we will grieve with you, our deepest sympathy. RIP Dr. Joel
Sending heartfelt condolences to the family ! Joel was a great guy that’ll surely be missed by everyone who knew him !
Dear Paula, Hannah & Noah, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. We are least prepared for when God calls a loved one home when they are having a good time in life. My first thought was this and then thought what better time to be called. And remembering how much pain he battled – and now he is at peace. Our family loved Dr. Joel, and I know Kent really enjoyed their friendship. He will be missed. Sending you hugs and prayers, Denise ( Kent,kayla,& Grace) P.s. Just a couple of hours after I heard of Dr. Joel,our… Read more »
DEAR PAULS, HANNAH AND NOAH.,PAT AND I ARE SO VERY SADDENED FOR THE LOSS OF JOEL. WHAT A GREAT MAN AND WONDERFUL FRIEND HE WAS. WE WILL ALWAYS THINK OF HIM AND BE IN OUR HEARTS. HE WAS SO COMPASSIONATE AND CARING AND IN TUNE TO HIS PATIENT’S NEED’S. PEACE BE WITH ALL OF YOU..THE LORD IS MY SHEPARD. LOVE LOVE
Oh Hannah, Paula and Noah. I am so very sorry for your loss. I KNOW your dad loved you 2 kids more that anything because he expressed it and it showed. And Paula dang it, you will honor his legacy in loving those kids you and he created, I so sorry for your loss…. <3